What are the definitions of “fall in with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To conform to or adopt a particular attitude or behavior.
I tried to fall in with the general mood of celebration.
- 2To become friends or associate with.
She fell in with a group of troublemakers.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fall in with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fall in with is to become friends or associate with someone, often with a negative connotation. It can also mean to conform to or adopt a particular attitude or behavior.
What are the different verb forms of “fall in with”?
| Root Verb | fall in with |
| Third Person Singular Present | falls in with |
| Present Participle | falling in with |
| Simple Past | fell in with |
| Past Participle | fallen in with |
Example
He fell in with a bad crowd at school.
Example
She falls in with the new group of friends quickly.
Example
He is falling in with the wrong people, and it's affecting his behavior.
Example
They fell in with a group of travelers during their trip.
Example
She had fallen in with a group of artists in the city.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fall in with”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“fall in with” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He fell in with the wrong crowd.
Example
She fell in with the new group of friends.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fall in with” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He fell in with the wrong crowd.
Example
She fell in with the new group of friends.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fall in with”?
Good things to know
Does “fall in with” have an informal or formal tone?
Fall in with is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
